Distracted Driving: Causes, Car Accidents, and Legal Action

3 min read time

Distracted driving has become one of the most significant dangers on our roads today. With the rise of smartphones, in-car technologies, and an increasingly fast-paced society, the temptation to multitask behind the wheel has never been greater.

Unfortunately, the consequences of distracted driving can be devastating, leading to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving occurs when a driver engages in any activity that takes their attention away from the primary task of driving. Distractions can be categorized into three main types:

Visual Distractions: Taking your eyes off the road, such as looking at your phone, checking a GPS device, or even admiring roadside scenery.
Manual Distractions: Taking your hands off the wheel, such as eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, or reaching for something in the car.
Cognitive Distractions: Taking your mind off driving, such as daydreaming, talking to passengers, or being under the influence of stress or emotions.

Some activities, like texting, involve all three types of distractions, making them particularly dangerous.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Statistics on Distracted Driving

The statistics surrounding distracted driving are alarming. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2020 alone.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that every day, approximately 9 people in the U.S. are killed, and over 1,000 are injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.

Texting while driving increases the risk of a crash by 23 times, as reported by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.

Although Florida has passed a law banning texting while driving, reports show that more drivers are more distracted behind the wheel than ever, with distracted driving as the leading cause of car accidents, injuries, and deaths statewide, and with Leon County seeing a 41 percent increase in such incidents between 2011 and 2015.

These numbers underscore the urgent need for awareness and action to combat distracted driving.

Common Causes of Distracted Driving

Understanding the common causes of distracted driving can help identify risky behaviors and promote safer habits:

Smartphone Use

Texting, scrolling through social media, or making phone calls are some of the most common distractions. Even hands-free devices can cause cognitive distractions.

Eating and Drinking

Grabbing a bite on the go may save time, but it often leads to manual and visual distractions.

Passengers

Interacting with passengers, especially children or teenagers, can divert a driver's attention from the road.

In-Car Technology

Modern vehicles often come equipped with touchscreens, GPS devices, and entertainment systems that can be distracting if not used responsibly.

Daydreaming

Losing focus due to stress, fatigue, or personal concerns can lead to cognitive distractions, impairing decision-making and reaction times.

The Consequences of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the driver but also passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. These consequences include:

Injuries and Fatalities

Distracted driving is a leading cause of road accidents, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Victims may suffer from broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and more.

Emotional and Financial Impact

The aftermath of a distracted driving accident can be emotionally and financially draining for victims and their families. Medical bills, lost wages, and psychological trauma are common challenges.

Legal Consequences

Drivers found guilty of distracted driving may face fines, license suspension, increased insurance rates, and even criminal charges in severe cases.

How You Can Help Prevent Distracted Driving

Preventing distracted driving requires a combination of personal responsibility, education, and advocacy. Here are some actionable tips:

Put Your Phone Away

Before starting your car, place your phone out of reach or activate a "Do Not Disturb" mode. Many smartphones have features designed to block notifications while driving.

Plan Ahead

Set your GPS, choose your music, and handle other preparations before hitting the road. This reduces the need for multitasking while driving.

Avoid Eating or Drinking

If you’re hungry, take a break and eat before resuming your journey. Avoiding meals on the go minimizes manual distractions.

Educate Young Drivers

Teen drivers are especially susceptible to distractions. Parents should model safe driving behavior and discuss the dangers of distracted driving with their children.

Use Technology Wisely

While some in-car technologies are designed to assist drivers, others can be distracting. Familiarize yourself with your car’s features and use them responsibly.

Advocate for Stricter Laws

Support local and national efforts to implement and enforce distracted driving laws. Public awareness campaigns and legislative measures can save lives.

What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident caused by distracted driving, it’s important to ensure your safety first. Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. Call emergency services immediately.

Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. This evidence can be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. Avoid discussing fault or liability at the scene.

Even if you feel fine, seek medical evaluation as some injuries may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time if left untreated. Medical records can also serve as evidence in a legal case.

Next, contact Morgan & Morgan. One of our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

At Morgan & Morgan, we understand the devastating impact that distracted driving accidents can have on victims and their families. Our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys is committed to fighting for justice and ensuring that negligent drivers are held accountable.

With decades of experience and billions recovered for our clients, we have the expertise to handle even the most complex cases. And with offices in every state across the country, we’re always nearby and ready to help. There are no upfront fees or expenses, so everyone has access to justice when working with Morgan & Morgan.

If you’ve been affected by a distracted driving incident, don’t hesitate to contact Morgan & Morgan. Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many car accidents are caused by texting and driving?

When considering how many car crashes occur each year, it's alarming to note that the National Safety Council reports approximately 1.6 million crashes are caused annually by drivers using cell phones and texting.

In 2021 alone, about 3,522 people died in car accidents related to texting and driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Is texting and driving illegal?

As of April 2023, texting while driving is illegal in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Montana and Missouri do not have specific laws banning texting while driving but have some restrictions on cell phone use while driving. Not surprisingly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Montana had the fifth-highest number of accidents caused by texting and driving.

Why is texting and driving dangerous?

Texting while driving splits your attention between your phone and the road, affecting your reaction time and ability to make quick decisions. It can cause you to drift out of your lane, miss traffic signals or stop signs, and fail to see pedestrians or other vehicles. Even a brief distraction can lead to a serious accident.

How do attorneys prove texting while driving cases?

Proving that the other driver was texting while driving can be challenging. However, an attorney can gather evidence to support your case, including:

Witness Statements: Interviewing witnesses who saw the other driver using their phone.
Phone Records: Subpoenaing the other driver’s phone records.
Police Reports: Reviewing reports that may mention phone use.
Video Evidence: Requesting footage from surveillance cameras.
Admissions: Leveraging any admissions from the other driver.

Due to the difficulty of proving texting while driving, you need an attorney with powerful legal resources to investigate your case thoroughly.

Can I still file a claim if I was the one texting while driving?

Surprisingly, you may still recover compensation even if you were texting while driving. Many states have comparative negligence laws that allow you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault. For example, if you were 30% at fault, you could still recover 70% of your entitled damages.

What should I do if I’m too tired to drive?

If you experience any symptoms of fatigue while on the road, you should immediately pull over to a safe location, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Drivers should not pull over to the shoulder of a highway.

Once at a safe location, you can roll up your windows, lock all doors, and take a 15-20 minute power nap, according to AAA, assuming local laws allow this. When you wake up, you could have some caffeine and make sure that you are fully awake, before heading out on the road again. Exercising after a nap can also help to wake you up.